Gaming machine

ABSTRACT

In the gaming machine with the variable display device, the specific symbol combination among symbol combinations displayed on the variable display device completes one picture and at least one symbol among the symbols constructing the specific symbol combination is commonly used with the symbols of the symbol combination which completes anther picture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION (S)

This application is based upon and claims a priority from the priorJapanese Patent Application Nos. 2003-306090. 2003-306091, 2003-306092,2003-306093, all of which were filed on Aug. 29, 2003 and the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This applicationis related to co-pending U.S. applications entitled “GAMING MACHINE INWHICH SECOND GAME CAN BE OBTAINED CONTINUOUS TO FIRST GAME UNDERPREDETERMINED CONDITION”, filed on Jun. 18, 2004, “GAMING MACHINE WITHREELS AND DISPLAY DEVICE DISPLAYING CHARACTERS THEREON, REELS BEING SEENTHROUGH DISPLAY DEVICE”, filed on Jun. 18, 2004, and “GAMING MACHINE”,filed on the even date to this application. The co-pending applicationsare expressly incorporated here by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular,relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a Japanesepachi-slot machine, a video poker gaming machine, the gaming machinehaving a variable display device for displaying a plural kinds ofsymbols necessary for a game and a controller such as a microcomputerfor conducting stop control of the variable display device.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, as the gaming machines mentioned above, there exists,for example the slot machine. Game in the slot machine is started byinserting medals therein or betting medals within the number of medalscredited in the slot machine, and thereafter by operating a start leveror spin button by a player. When the game in the slot machine isstarted, reels on which a plurality of symbols are described start torotate and thereafter each of the reels is stopped in a predeterminedorder. And if the winning combination is won according to the symbolcombination displayed by the reels, medals are paid out to the player.And one game is terminated.

The slot machines in current at present have plural modes of winningcombinations. In particular, when the predetermined winning combinationis won, a gaming state more beneficial for the player than the base gameis obtained for a predetermined time, in addition to one time of medalpayout. As such winning combination, there is a bonus game in whichgames giving a relatively large award to the player can be done. And thegaming machine such as the slot machine has decoration parts and displaydevices to joyfully effect the above award. These decoration parts orthe display devices are generally designed so as to reflect the image oftheme set in every gaming machine. And characters or things orbackground pictures according to the theme are displayed on the cabinetof display panel to exercise the machine's ingenuity. Further, as shownin Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-62177, it is knownthe gaming machine in which these pictures are displayed on the reels asthe symbols.

However, the symbols described on the reels has function to inform thewinning combination including the bonus of the player, the winningcombination being determined when the reels are stopped. Therefore, ifthe symbols are designed by reflecting the image of the machine's owntheme, there is a case that it is difficult for the player notaccustomed to the gaming machine to recognize whether the winningcombination is realized or not. Further, if a plurality of bonusescapable of being won are set and the symbols based on the characteristictheme are described on the reels, there will be fear that it takes longtime for the player to learn the symbol corresponding to the bonus andto be accustomed to the game. And if each of the symbol combinationscorresponding to plural bonuses is constructed from the symbolsreflecting the machine's own image, it can be predicted which bonusamong plural bonuses will be won at the time that the first reel isstopped. Thus, it lacks in interest and the player loses interest forthe game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been done to dissolve the above problems andhas an object to provide a gaming machine in which it can be easilyjudged that the bonus is won even if the symbols displayed on thevariable display device such as reels are designed so as to reflect animage of theme concerning with the gaming machine.

In order to accomplish the above object, according to one aspect of thepresent invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising:

-   -   a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying        plural kinds of symbols utilized in a game;    -   a stop symbol determination device for determining the symbols        stopped along a pay line every each of the variable display        devices based on a random number value sampled every game; and    -   a stop controller for conducting stop control of variable        display in the variable display devices based on a determination        result determined by the stop symbol determination device;    -   wherein symbol combinations each of which is constructed from        the symbols determined by the stop symbol determination device        include a plurality of specific display modes each of which        corresponds to a specific award, and    -   wherein at least two of the specific display modes form one        picture and at least one of the symbols is commonly utilized in        the specific display mode.

According to the gaming machine, at least two of the specific displaymodes, which are included in the symbol combinations and each of whichcorresponds to a specific award, form one picture and at least onesymbol is commonly utilized in the specific display mode. Thereby, thespecific award is easily indicated to the player through the method thatthe symbol combination displays one picture. Further, plural symbolcombinations corresponding to plural bonuses are constructed from atleast one symbol which is commonly utilized. Therefore, even in thecomplexed gaming machine in which it is designed so that the image ofthe theme concerning with the gaming machine is reflected on the symbolsdescribed on the reels and a plural kinds of bonuses are set, if thesymbol is commonly utilized, it can be shown to the player that anyspecific display mode can be realized. Thereby, even in a case that theplayer is not accustomed to the gaming machine, the player can easilyjudge whether or not the specific display mode is determined.

And in a case that the symbol which is commonly utilized is firstdisplayed when the variable display device is stopped, it can be judgedwhether or not the specific display mode is realized. However, it cannotbe judged the kind of the specific display mode till the other reels arestopped. Therefore, interest for games can be raised if the gamingmachine is constructed so that the kind of the specific display modecannot be predicted at early stage of the game.

And according to another aspect of the present invention, it is provideda gaming machine comprising:

-   -   a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying        a plurality of symbols utilized in a base game;    -   a stop symbol determination device for determining the symbols        variably displayed on the variable display devices based on a        random number value sampled every game;    -   a bonus game execution device for executing a bonus game        corresponding to specific symbols among a plurality of bonus        games when variable display of the variable display devices is        stopped while the specific symbols are stopped and displayed        through the variable display devices;    -   wherein at least one bonus game is executed when the variable        display devices are stopped with the specific symbols or when a        specific result is obtained in another bonus game.

According to the gaming machine, at least one bonus game among aplurality of bonus games executed in the gaming machine is executed whenthe variable display devices are stopped with the specific symbols orwhen a specific result is obtained in another bonus game by the player'sselection. Thereby, in the bonus game in which the player participateswhile conducting various selection, if the predetermined condition issatisfied, it is determined whether or not game condition shifts toanother bonus game. Therefore, the player can enjoy the bonus game whileexpecting to continuously conduct another bonus game, thus interest forgames can be raised.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, it isprovided a gaming machine comprising:

-   -   a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying        a plurality of symbols utilized in a game;    -   a stop symbol determination device for determining a symbol        combination stopped at a predetermined position in the variable        display devices based on a random number value sampled every        game;    -   a stop control device for conducting stop control of the        variable display devices based on a result determined by the        stop symbol determination device; and    -   a blank bonus determination device for determining winning of        the bonus with a predetermined probability when blank symbols        are stopped at the predetermined positions.

According to the gaming machine, the blank bonus determination devicedetermines winning of the bonus with a predetermined probability whenblank symbols are stopped at the predetermined positions. Thereby, evenif the blank symbols are displayed on the variable display devices, notonly the game is merely terminated but also there remains a probabilityto occur the bonus game. Therefore, the player has unexpected feelingand interest for games can be raised.

According to further another aspect of the present invention, it isprovided a gaming machine comprising:

-   -   a plurality of variable display devices for variably displaying        a plurality of symbols utilized in a game;    -   a stop symbol determination device for determining symbols        stopped at predetermined positions in the variable display        devices based on a random number value sampled every game;    -   a bonus game start device for starting a bonus game when the        variable display devices are stopped with specific symbols;    -   a measurement device for determining a score accumulated        according to progress of the bonus game and for increasing or        decreasing an upper limit of the score; and    -   a bonus game termination device for terminating the bonus game        when the score exceeds the upper limit.

According to the gaming machine, in the bonus game activated when thevariable display devices of the gaming machine stop variable displaywith the specific symbols, the measurement device determines the scorewhile accumulating according to progress of the bonus game and the bonusgame determination device terminates the bonus game when the scoreexceeds the upper limit. That is to say, the bonus game is progressedtill the score reaches to the upper limit. Thereby, it can roughlyindicate to the player when the bonus game is terminated. Therefore, theplayer can predict the termination of the bonus game to some extent.Thus, there scarcely occurs a case that the bonus game is suddenlyterminated contrary to the player's expectation. Accordingly, the bonusgame can be done while retaining interest of the player and the basegame which is restarted continuous to the bonus game can be conducted.

The above and further objects and novel features of the invention willmore fully appear from the following detailed description when the sameis read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose ofillustration only and not intended as a definition of the limits of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantagesand principles of the invention.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine according to theembodiment,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main display in the slot machineaccording to the embodiment,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a sub-display in the slot machineaccording to the embodiment,

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing symbol rows each of which isdescribed on each reel in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a payout table utilized in the slotmachine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing one example of symbol combinationutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing one example of symbol combinationutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing one example of probability lotterytable corresponding to each of the reels, the probability lottery tablebeing utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a block diagram of electriccircuits utilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable displaymotion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to theembodiment,

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable displaymotion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to theembodiment,

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable displaymotion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to theembodiment,

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable displaymotion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to theembodiment,

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing one example of variable displaymotion of the reels conducted in the slot machine according to theembodiment,

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a lottery table to determinedwhether a bonus game is realized or not, the lottery table beingutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a block diagram of electriccircuits in a sub-control circuit utilized in the slot machine accordingto the embodiment,

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 29 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 30 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing an image of the bonus gameutilized in the slot machine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 34 is a flowchart executed in a main control circuit in the slotmachine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 35 is a flowchart executed in the main control circuit in the slotmachine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 36 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit in the slotmachine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 37 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit in the slotmachine according to the embodiment,

FIG. 38 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit in the slotmachine according to the embodiment, and

FIG. 39 is a flowchart executed in the sub-control circuit in the slotmachine according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one example of the preferred embodiment according to thepresent invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Asgame media utilized in the gaming machine, coins, medals, tokens aregenerally used. Here, explanation of the gaming machine in which coinsare utilized will be done.

[construction of the gaming machine]

The slot machine 1 according to one embodiment is shown in FIG. 1, whichis a perspective view of the slot machine 1.

In front of a cabinet 2 which wholly constructs the gaming machine 1, amain display 5 is arranged at the center of which rectangular displaywindows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed. At the center of each of the windows 4L,4C, 4R, one pay line 8 is described.

At the front side of the slot machine 1 in the cabinet 2, three reels 3L3C, 3R are rotatably supported. On an outer periphery of each of thereels 3L 3C, 3R, a symbol row constructed from a plural kinds of symbolsis described. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged along a horizontal lineand each reel functions as a variable display device.

In the cabinet 2, the main display 5 is provided in front of the reels3L 3C, 3R, the main display 5 being utilized for displaying images ofslot games and bonus games. In the main display 5, three display windows4L, 4C, 4R are formed. Here, the main display 5 is arranged so that thesymbols of each of the reels can be observed through the display windows4L, 4C, 4R formed in the main display 5. The variable display device hasthe reels 3L, 3C, 3R as the first display portion and a liquid crystaldisplay as the second display portion. And at an upper side of thecabinet 2, a sub-display 6 for displaying the image of the bonus game isprovided as the third display portion.

On a display area 5 a of the main display 5, there are formed twodisplay areas, one of which is a PAID meter 7 for indicating payoutspaid out when winning combinations are got in the slot game which is abase game in the slot machine 1, and the other of which is a BET meter 9for indicating coin numbers which can be betted in one game. And on thedisplay area 5 a of the main display 5 and at the upper of the displaywindow 4R, a CREDIT meter 10 indicating coin number presently stored inthe slot machine 1 is displayed.

In a control panel 11 arranged under the main display 5, it is formed acoin insertion slot 12 into which a player inserts coins.

And on the control panel 11, a spin switch 15 for starting rotation ofthe reels 3L, 3C, 3R is arranged. Further, on the control panel 11,there are provided an error switch 13, a help switch 14, a cash-outswitch 16, a BET switch 17, a maximum BET switch 18 and a repeat BETspin switch 19.

Here, the error switch 13 is a switch pressed when troubles occur in theslot machine 1, thereby an error lamp 23 arranged on a ceiling portionof the cabinet 2 is turned on. Thus, an attendant in a game arcade iscalled.

The help switch 14 is pressed when the player cannot understand gamingmethod in the slot machine 1 or game contents of the bonus game, therebyexplanation thereof is displayed on the sub-display 6.

The cash-out switch 16 is a switch which is utilized to pay out coinsstored in the slot machine 1 to a coin tray 21 from a payout chute 20.

The BET switch 17 is a switch which is utilized when coins stored in theslot machine 1 are betted for the game. Every the BET switch 17 ispressed one time, one coin is betted. Here, the coin number betted forone game is called the “BET number”.

The maximum BET switch 18 is a switch to bet a maximum number of coinswhich can be betted for one game, for example, four coins for the game.When the maximum BET switch 18 is pressed, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R arestarted to rotate.

The repeat BET spin switch 19 is a switch to bet for the game the samenumber of coins as the BET number in the previous game and to startrotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

And at the upper side of the coin tray 21, which becomes a receivingdish for coins paid out from the payout chute 20, there are formedspeaker grills 22 to output toward outside of the cabinet 2 soundsemitted from speakers 43 (see FIG. 9) installed in the cabinet 2.

[main display and sub-display]

With reference to FIG. 2, construction of the main display 5 will bedescribed.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the main display 5 and the reel 3C.The main display 5 is constructed from a picture sheet 53 formed fromthe transparent film material on which various pictures are printed, thepicture sheet 53 being arranged inside of an acrylic resin plate 52functioning as a protect cover, a liquid crystal display device 54formed from a transparent liquid crystal display device in whichtransparent electrodes are arranged and a light guiding plate 36. Thepicture sheet 53, the liquid crystal display device 54 and the lightguiding plate 36 are stacked with each other. And in front of the maindisplay 5, it is arranged a touch panel 51 which detects coordinatescorresponding to the contact area on which the player contacts.

And at the upper side and the lower side of the liquid crystal displaydevice 54, liquid crystal backlights 292, 293 as illumination of theliquid crystal display device 54 are arranged. By turning on the liquidcrystal backlights 292, 293, the player can clearly seen and recognizethe image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 54.

At the inner upper side and the lower side of the main display 5, symbolillumination lamps 57, 58 for illuminating the symbols on the reels 3L,3C, 3R are arranged. The symbol illumination lamps 57, 58 are controlledso as to turn on when electric power is supplied, thereby the symbols onthe reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be clearly seen and recognized. As the symbolillumination lamps 57, 58, although cold cathode ray tubes are generallyutilized, the present invention is not limited to this.

The pictures described on the picture sheet 53 are always seen andrecognized by the player, in spite of effect control state in the slotmachine 1. The liquid crystal display device 54 constructs the effectarea of image not only in the slot game mentioned later but also in thebonus game.

Near the front inner side of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, it is provided a lamphousing 62 in which reel back lamps (not shown) turned on to easily seeand recognize the symbols are installed.

In FIG. 3, the sectional of the sub-display 6 is shown. Similar to themain display 5, the sub-display 6 is constructed from a picture sheet63, a liquid crystal display device 64 and a light guiding plate 67,which are stacked with each other at the inner side of a transparentacrylic resin plate 65. And at the upper side and the lower side of theliquid crystal display device 64, liquid crystal backlights 296, 297 areprovided. Since the reels are not arranged behind the sub-display 6,symbol illumination lamps are not arranged.

Although the main display 5 and the sub-display 6 in the slot machine 1of the embodiment are constructed from the liquid crystal display device(LCD), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, CRT orplasma display may be utilized. And although the main display 5 and thesub-display 6 are constructed from one display device, the main display5 and the sub-display 6 may be constructed from a plurality of displaydevices which mutually belong to different kinds.

[symbol rows]

In FIG. 4, it is shown symbol rows in each of which different kinds ofsymbols are arranged, the symbols being formed on the outer periphery ofeach reel 3L, 3C, 3R. The symbol row is constructed from plural kinds ofsymbols which are positioned at odd positions and plural blank symbols92 positioned at even positions. To each symbol, a code number among 1to 22 is attached and these code numbers are stored in a ROM 122 (seeFIG. 9 mentioned later) as a data table. On each of the reels 3L, 3C,3R, the “WILD” symbol 91 represented by the word “WILD”, the “1BAR”symbol 100 represented by one “BAR”, the “2BAR” symbol 93 represented bytwo “BAR”s, the “3BAR” symbol 94 represented by three “BAR”s and the“RED7” symbol 95 represented by the red numeral “7” are described. Andon the reel 3L, the “map 1” symbol 96 which shows a part of the map isdescribed. On the reel 3C, the “map 2” symbol 97 which shows anotherpart of the map is described. Further, on the reel 3R, the “map 3”symbol 98, which includes a condor in a part of the map and completesone map picture with the “map 1” symbol 96 and the “map 2” symbol 97, isdescribed. Further, on the reel 3R, the “map 4” symbol 99, whichincludes a gate in a part of the map and completes one map picture withthe “map 1” symbol 96 and the “map 2” symbol 97, is described. Here, themap picture represents a treasure map and an item appearing in atreasure-hunting which is a theme of the slot machine 1. Thus, byrepresenting things concerning with the theme as the symbols of thereels, the image of the theme is strongly effected, thereby interest ofthe player for games can be highly raised.

FIG. 5 shows a payout table displayed on the sub-display 6 when the slotgame, which is the base game in the slot machine 1, is conducted. Thepayout table indicates how many coins are paid out corresponding to eachof the winning combinations.

As game state in the embodiment, there are tow states, one of which isthe slot game and the other of which is the bonus game as the secondarygame. In the slot game, after coins are betted by pressing the BETswitch 17, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate by depressing themaximum BST spin switch 18 or the repeat BET spin switch 19. And after apredetermined time is elapsed, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in apredetermined order. At that time, if the symbol combination stoppedalong the pay line 8 corresponds to the predetermined symbolcombination, that is, the winning combinations is won, coins are paidout to the player.

The bonus game is a game which occurs when the specific symbolcombination, for example, the combination of the “map 1” symbol 96, the“map 2” symbol 97 and the “map 3” symbol 98 is stopped along the payline 8. In the bonus game, more coins than coins obtained in the slotgame are paid out to the player as the specific award. Hereinafter, thedescription “map 1-map 2-map 3” means a case that the “map 1” symbol,the “map 2” symbol and the “map 3” symbol are stopped along the pay line8 which positions in the center of each of the display windows 4L, 4C,4R.

In the slot game, the payouts will be described according to FIG. 5 whenthe symbol combinations stopped along the pay line 8 become thepredetermined combinations. Here, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stoppedin the slot game, the symbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 isdetermined based on the probability lottery table (mentioned later) byutilizing the random number sampled every the game.

As shown in FIG. 5, in spite of kind of the “BAR, if any “BAR” of the“1BAR”, the “2BAR” and the “3BAR” lines up along the pay line 8 when allreels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, five coins are paid out in a case that onecoins is betted, ten coins are paid out in a case that two coins arebetted and fifteen coins are paid out in a case that three or four coinsare betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

And if three “1BAR”s are line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L,3C, 3R are stopped, ten coins are paid out in a case that one coins isbetted, twenty coins are paid out in a case that two coins are bettedand thirty coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins arebetted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

Further, three “2BAR”s are line up along the pay line 8 when all reels3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, twenty coins are paid out in a case that onecoins is betted, forty coins are paid out in a case that two coins arebetted and sixty coins are paid out in a case that three or four coinsare betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

And if three “3BAR”s line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C,3R are stopped, forty coins are paid out in a case that one coins isbetted, eighty coins are paid out in a case that two coins are bettedand one hundred and twenty coins are paid out in a case that three orfour coins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

And if three “RED7” line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C,3R are stopped, fifty coins are paid out in a case that one coins isbetted, one hundred coins are paid out in a case that two coins arebetted and two hundreds coins are paid out in a case that three or fourcoins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player.

And if three “WILD” line up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C,3R are stopped, one hundred coins are paid out in a case that one coinsis betted, two hundreds coins are paid out in a case that two coins arebetted and four hundreds coins are paid out in a case that three or fourcoins are betted. Thus, the payout is given to the player. Here, the“WILD” symbol has substitutional function for each symbol of the “1BAR”symbol, the “2BAR” symbol, the “3BAR” symbol and the “RED7” symbol,which are mentioned above. For example, in the symbol combination“1BAR-1BAR-WILD”, the “WILD” symbol substitutes for the “1BAR” and itconcludes that the symbol combination “1BAR-1BAR-1BAR”, that is, thewinning combination “1BAR” is won.

And if the symbol combination “map 1-map 2-map 3” or “map 1-map 2-map 4”lines up along the pay line 8 when all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, twohundreds coins are paid out in a case that one coin is betted, fourhundreds coins are paid out in a case that two coins are betted and onethousand coins are paid out in a case that three or four coins arebetted. Thereafter, game condition shifts to the bonus game from theslot game, thereby there occurs a chance that the specific award isgiven to the player. That is to say, in each bonus game, there isprobability that the player can get further more coins with high payoutthan those in the slot game by conducting the predetermined game play.Here, the bonus game will be described hereinafter.

[common use of the symbols]

In FIG. 6, it is shown a line up mode that the symbol combination “map1-map 2-map 3” line up along the pay line 8 in the display windows 4L,4C, 4R, such symbol combination forming a chance to shift to one ofbonus games. One picture representing the treasure map is formed base onthat the “map 1” symbol 96, the “map 2” symbol 97 and the “map 3” symbol98 line up along the pay line 8.

In FIG. 7, it is shown a line up mode that the symbol combination “map1-map 2-map 4” line up along the pay line 8, such symbol combinationforming a chance to shift to another bonus game. In this case, similarlyto the above, one picture representing the treasure map is formed basedon that the “map 1” symbol 96, the “map 2” symbol 97 and the “map 4”symbol 99 line up along the pay line 8. As mentioned, if the symbolcombination forms one picture, game condition shifts to the bonus gameby which the specific award is given to the player. Therefore, forexample, if new theme of the treasure-hunting is introduced in thegaming machine, the player can easily judge the symbol combination toshift to the bonus game as the completed one picture if the player isnot accustomed to the gaming machine. Thus, the player can rapidly learnthe symbol combination and can be accustomed to the game.

Here, in the symbol combinations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the “map 1”symbol 96 and the “map 2” symbol 97 are commonly used. By commonly usingthe symbol (s), if a plurality of symbol combinations giving a chance toshift to the bonus game are set, the number of symbols forming suchcombinations can be reduced, thereby the player can rapidly learn thesymbols and can be accustomed to the game. And one picture formed by thesymbol combination in which the symbols are commonly used can easilyform the common image. Therefore, the player can rapidly learn thecommon image and can be accustomed to the game.

[probability lottery table]

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the probability lottery table for thereels 3L, 3C, 3R will be explained. The probability lottery table is atable utilized when the symbols which line up along the pay line 8 aredetermined at the time that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in the slotgame.

FIG. 8 shows the probability lottery table for the reels 3L, 3C, 3R todetermine the symbols which line up along the pay line 8 when all reels3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in a case that four coins are betted, that is,the bet number is four. Here, there exist another probability lotterytables in a case that the bet number is one˜three although such tablesare not shown.

In each of the probability lottery tables, it is indicated the range ofthe random number every symbol on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R which line upalong the pay line 8. The concrete method to determine the symbol whichline up along the pay line 8 by lottery is as follows. The CPU 21 (seeFIG. 9) refers the random number value extracted from the predeterminedrandom number range (for example, the range of 0˜255) every each reel3L, 3C, 3R with the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 6. Further,the CPU 21 judges that the extracted random number value lies in therandom number range corresponding to which symbol and determines thesymbol which line up along the pay line 8. For example, if the extractedrandom number value to determine the symbol on the left reel 3L lies ina range of 116˜170, the symbol which line up along the pay line 8 whenthe left reel 3L is stopped becomes the “2BAR” symbol.

Here, in the embodiment, although the lottery is done every each reel3L, 3C, 3R and the symbol which line up along the pay line 8 isdetermined, the present invention is not limited to this. For example,at first the winning combination corresponding to the symbolcombination, that is, the internal winning combination may be determinedand the symbol which line up along the pay line 8 may be determinedaccording to the internal winning combination. That is to say, the slotmachine 1 may have internal winning combination determination means todetermine the winning combination based on the random number valuesampled every game.

[construction of control system in the slot machine]

FIG. 9 shows circuitry construction including a main control circuit 71for controlling game process operation in the slot machine 1, peripherydevice (actuator) connected to the main control circuit 71 and asub-control circuit 171 for controlling the main display 5 and thesub-display 6 based on control instruction transmitted from the maincontrol circuit 71.

The main control circuit 71 is mainly constructed from a microcomputer120 arranged on a circuit board to which a circuit for sampling therandom number. The microcomputer 120 includes the CPU 121 as a controldevice for conducting control operation according to a preset programand a ROM 122 and a RAM 123 which are memory means.

To the CPU 121, a clock pulse generator 124 for generating standardclock pulses, a frequency divider 125, a random number generator 126 forgenerating random numbers sampled and a random number sampling circuit127 are connected. Here, as the means for sampling the random number,random number generation and sampling thereof may be executed bycalculation through the CPU 121 in the microcomputer 120.

In the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120, a program for controlling gamein the slot machine 1, a symbol table referred when the symbols liningup along the pay line 8 are determined in a case that all reels 3L, 3C,3R are stopped, a winning symbol combination table referred after stopcontrol of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is done and thereafter the reels arestopped and a probability lottery table referred when the symbols liningup along the pay line 8 are determined in a case that all reels 3L, 3C,3R are stopped, are stored.

And in the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120, various instructions(commands) for transmitting to the sub-control circuit 171. Among thecommands, a demonstration display command, an all reels stop command, abonus game start command to start image display of the bonus game on thesub-display 6 and the like are included.

In the circuit of FIG. 9, as the actuator controlled its operation by acontrol signal from the microcomputer 120, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49Rfor rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R respectively, a hopper 30 including adrive part to pay out and storing coins therein, the main display 5 andthe sub-display 6, various lamps 60 (error lamp 23, symbol illuminationlamp 57 and the like). These are connected to the CPU 121 through amotor drive circuit 31, a hopper drive circuit 32, a sub-control circuit171, a lamp drive circuit 45, respectively. These drive circuitscontrols operation of each actuator by receiving control signals such asdrive instructions output from the CPU 121.

The sub-control circuit 171 conducts display control of the main display5 and the sub-display 6 based on the control command from themicrocomputer 120. The sub-control circuit 171 will be describedhereinafter.

A power amplifier 42 functioning as an amplifier for amplifying soundsoutput from the speaker 43 is connected to the output terminal of theCPU 121 through a sound source IC 41. The sound source IC 41 controlsthe power amplifier 42 and the speaker 43 based on the control signalsuch as control command output from the CPU 121.

As the input signal generation means generating input signals necessaryfor the microcomputer 120, a coin sensor 12S for detecting coinsinserted in the coin insertion slot 12, an error switch 13, a helpswitch 14, a spin switch 15, a cash-out switch 16, a BET switch 17, amaximum BET spin switch 18, a repeat BET spin switch 19, a reel positiondetection circuit 34 supplying signals to detect positions of the reels3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 121 based on pulse signals output from a reelposition detector (not shown) and a payout completion signal circuit 36supplying a signal to detect coin payout completion to the CPU 121 in acase that the count number counted by a coin detection portion 35, whichdetects coins paid out from the hopper 30, reaches to the predeterminedcoin number data.

And if all reels are stopped and the symbol combination stopped alongthe pay line 8 becomes the stop mode indicating realization of thewinning combination, the CPU 121 supplies the payout command signal tothe hopper drive circuit 32, thereby the hopper 30 pays out thepredetermined number of coins. At that time, the coin detection portion35 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 30 and when thecounted number of coins reaches to the predetermined number, the coinpayout completion signal is input to the CPU 121. Thereby, the CPU 121stops drive of the hopper 30 through the hopper drive circuit 32 andcoin payout process is finished.

Here, the main control circuit 71, the hopper 30 and the hopper drivecircuit 32 constructs award providing means for providing award to theplayer when the symbol combination determined by stop symboldetermination means and stopped along the pay line 8 becomes thepredetermined display mode.

In the circuit of FIG. 9, the random number generator 126 generatesrandom numbers within a predetermined value range and the random numbersampling circuit 127 samples the random number at a voluntarily timingafter the spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin switch 18 and the repeatBET spin switch 19 are pressed. The sample random number is determinedwhether such random number belongs to which range in the probabilitylottery table stored in the storing part in the ROM 122. If the sampledrandom number belongs to a predetermined range, the stop symbol signalis generated, thereby control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R mentioned later isconducted and the determined symbol is stopped along the pay line 8.

After the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate, the number of drivepulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R arecounted, and the counted number value is written in a predetermined areain the RAM 123. A reset pulse is obtained from each of the reels 3L, 3C,3R every one rotation thereof and such reset pulses are input to the CPU121 through the reel position detection circuit 34. The CPU 121 clearsthe counted number of drive pulses stored in the RAM 123 to “0” based onthe reset pulses obtained as mentioned. Thereby, in the RAM 123, thecount number value corresponding to the rotational position of each ofthe reels 3L, 3C, 3R within one rotation thereof.

And in order to correspond the rotational position of each of reels 3L,3C, 3R to the symbol, the symbol table is stored in the ROM 122. In thissymbol table, by utilizing the rotational position generated on thebasis of the above mentioned reset pulse as the standard, code numberserially given every a predetermined rotation pitch of each of the reels3L, 3C, 3R and symbol code representing the symbol provided every eachcode number are corresponded with each other.

And the sub-control circuit 171 is connected to the main control circuit71.

Here, the main control circuit 71 including the CPU 121, the ROM 122,the clock pulse generator 124, the frequency divider 125, the randomnumber generator 126 and the random number sampling circuit 127,constructs stop symbol determination means for determining the symbolstopped along the pay line 8 every the variable display device based onthe random number value sampled every game.

And the main control circuit 71 including the CPU 121 and the ROM 122constructs stop control means for stopping and controlling variabledisplay operation of a plurality of the variable display devices basedon a determination result by the stop symbol determination means.

Further, in Th ROM 122, the winning symbol combination table is alsostored. In he winning symbol combination table, the symbol combinationscorresponding to the winning combinations, the coin payout numbercorresponding to the winning combinations and the winning judgementcodes representing the winning combinations are corresponded. Thewinning symbol combination table is referred when variable displayoperation of the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the right reel 3Ris controlled to stop and when the winning combination is confirmedafter all reels are stopped.

[variable display operation of reels 3L, 3C, 3R]

Next, variable display operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will bedescribed. As mentioned, in the slot game, after coins are betted allreels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate based on a predetermined switchoperation. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped in a predeterminedorder after a predetermined time is elapsed.

FIG. 10 indicates a display state of the main display 5 while all reels3L, 3C, 3R are rotating. In the main display 5, areas for the displaywindows 4L, 4C, 4R are formed, and through these areas a part of each ofthe reels 3L, 3C, 3R which are rotating can be seen. Under the displaywindows 4L, 4C, 4R it is displayed a character 501 who is riding in aboat and going for the treasure-hunt which is the theme of the slotmachine 1. Thereby, the effect of the image of treasure-hunt isconducted on the main display 5.

FIG. 11 indicates a state that the reels 3L and 3C are serially stoppedafter a predetermined time is elapsed since the reels 3L, 3C, 3R startto rotate. The sopped reel 3L and 3C display the “map 1” symbol 96 andthe “map 2” symbol 97 along the pay line 8, respectively. This state isthe state just before game condition shifts to the bonus game based onthat the remaining map symbol is displayed by the reel 3R. And under thedisplay windows 4L, 4C, 4R it is displayed a state that the an alligator503 attacks the character 501.

FIG. 12 indicates a state that the reel 3R is stopped after apredetermined time is elapsed since the reels 3L and 3C are seriallystopped. The stopped reel 3R displays the “map 3” symbol 98 along thepay line 8 and the treasure map picture is completed by combining the“map 3” symbol 98 with the “map 2” symbol 96 and the “map 2” symbol 97.And This state indicates that game condition shifts to a condor treasurebonus game which is one of the bonus games. Further, under the displaywindows 4L, 4C, 4R it is displayed a state that the character 501 getsrid of the alligator 503.

As mentioned, among the symbols constructing the symbol combinationwhich makes a chance to shift to the bonus game, the reel 3L and 3C,which displays the “map 1” symbol 96 and the “map 2” symbol 97,respectively, the “map 1” symbol 96 and the “map 2” symbol 97 beingcommonly used, are first stopped, and the reel 3R which displays the“map 3” symbol 98 is finally stopped. Thereby, it can make the playerrecognize the probability to win the bonus game at the time that the“map 1” symbol 96 and the “map 2” symbol 97 are displayed. Here, theplayer cannot know what kind of bonus is won till the “map 3” symbol 98or the “map 4” symbol 99 is displayed. Therefore, although the playercan easily judge that the bonus is won, the player cannot predict thekind of the bonus at the time that the “map 1” symbol 96 and the “map 2”symbol 97 which are commonly used are stopped. Thereby, interest andexpectation of the player can be highly raised.

[blank bonus]

In addition to the above, a blank bonus which is realizable based onthat blank symbols are stopped along the pay line 8 will be described.

FIG. 13 indicates a state that all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped after apredetermined time is elapsed since the reels 3L 3C, 3R start to rotate.The stopped reels 3L, 3C, 3R respectively display the symbol combination“blank-blank-blank” by the blank symbols 92. If the blank symbols 92line up along the pay line 8, it is continuously conducted the lotteryof mysterious sun bonus game which is the blank bonus. On the basis ofthe lottery result, if this blank bonus is realized, game conditionshifts to the mysterious sun bonus game which is one of the bonus games.

FIG. 14 indicates the display when the blank bonus is realized accordingto the lottery result. Near each of the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R inthe display area 5 a of the main display 5, symbols 505, 506 and 507representing the sun are displayed. Thereby, the blank symbols 92 of thestopped reels 3L, 3C, 3R change just like to the specific symbols andline up along the pay line 8. And under the display windows 4L 4C, 4R itis displayed a state that the character 501 is surprised to findanything in the upper direction. Thus, when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as thevariable display means display the blank symbols 92, it is determinedthat game condition shifts to the bonus game with a predeterminedprobability. Thereby, even if the symbol combination of the blanksymbols is displayed, the game is not only merely terminated but alsothere remains probability to occur the bonus game. Therefore, unexpectedfeeling occurs in the game and interest for games can be raised. Andamong the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as the first display part constructing thevariable display means and the liquid crystal display device 54 as thesecond display part, as mentioned, by displaying the symbols 505, 506,507 as the bonus symbols so as to superimpose the blank symbols 92 onthe liquid crystal display device 54, the unexpected feeling can occuras if the blank symbols 92 are suddenly changed to the bonus symbols.

[blank bonus selection lottery table]

In FIG. 15, it is shown a lottery table to shift to the mysterious sunbonus game. This table is a table to determine to shift to themysterious sun bonus game when the blank symbols 92 of the reels 3L, 3C,3R are stopped along the pay line 8.

The CPU 21 extracts the random number form the predetermined randomnumber range (for example, the range of 0˜255) and determines that theextracted random number belongs to which range in the lottery table toshift to the mysterious sun bonus game, thereafter the CPU 21 determinesto shift to the mysterious sun bonus game. For example, the randomnumber lies within the range of 0˜5, shifting to the mysterious sunbonus game is realized.

Next, the sub-control circuit 171 shown in FIG. 16 will be explained.The sub-control circuit 171 is constructed from the sub-CPU 221, thesub-ROM 222, the sub-ram 223 and the image display control circuit 224,225. Here, between the main control circuit 71 and the sub-controlcircuit 171 and between the sub-CPU 221 and each of the actuators, INport and OUT port are voluntarily arranged.

The sub-CPU 221 determines how to make the main display 5 and thesub-display 6 display based on a game information command transmittedfrom the main control circuit 71 and transmits data of display contentsto the image display control circuits 224 and 225.

In the sub-ROM 222, a sequence program to utilized for transmission tothe main control circuit 71, programs necessary for the slot game andthe bonus game and various data are stored.

The sub-ram 223 is utilized for work area when these programs areexecuted.

The image display control circuit 224 has a video RAM (not shown) andcontrols display contents of the main display 5. The image displaycontrol circuit 225 has a video RAM (not shown) and controls displaycontents of the sub-display 6. In particular, the image display controlcircuit 225 controls the sub-display 6 so as to display the image of thebonus game based on a bonus game start command transmitted from the maincontrol circuit 71.

And the touch panel 51 is connected to the sub-CPU 221. The touch panel51 detects coordinate position of the portion contacted by the playerand transmits information of the coordinate position to the sub-CPU 221.Thereby, the sub-CPU 221 determines which one of plural selectionbuttons displayed on the main display 5 is selected by the player.

Here, the main control circuit 71 constructs the secondary game startmeans to start the bonus game as the secondary game to give the specificaward to the player, on condition that the symbol combination stoppedalong the predetermined pay line determined by the stop symboldetermination means becomes the specific display mode.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 32, the bonus game as the secondarygame will be described in detail. There are three kinds of bonus games,one of which is the “golden gate bonus game”, another of which is the“condor treasure bonus game” and further another of which is the“mysterious sun bonus game”. When the bonus game is displayed, the reels3L, 3C, 3R are not utilized, and the main display 5 and the liquidcrystal display device of the sub-display 6 are used. By utilizing theimage display device different from the reels as the variable displaydevice, it can provide the unique game freely reflecting the image ofthe theme of the gaming machine.

[golden gate bonus]

With reference to FIGS. 17 to 21, the golden gate bonus game will beexplained. In the golden gate bonus game, the character sequentiallypasses five passing points while selecting the correct directioncontinuous to the next passing point on the basis of selection by theplayer.

In FIG. 17, the display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 is shown when the golden gate bonus game is started. Atthe center position of the display area 6 a, it is displayed a statethat the character 501 is running on the corridor toward the gate. Andat the lower position of the display area 6 a, a route map 622indicating five passing points 621 a, 621 b, 621 c, 621 d and 621 e isdisplayed. At the upper position of the display area 6 a, theaccumulated points 623 obtained in the game is indicated.

In FIG. 18, the display example of the display area 5 a of the maindisplay 5 is shown when the golden gate bonus game is started. At thelower position of the display area 5 a, there are displayed the leftdirection arrow indication button 625, the upper direction arrowindication button 626 and the right direction arrow indication button627. At the center of the display area 6 a it is displayed the message“SELECT ESCAPE ROUTE” 628 to suggest the player to conduct selectoperation of progress direction of the character.

FIG. 19 sows a display example in the display area 5 a when the playercontacts the right direction arrow indication button 627 based on thatthe player selects the right progress direction. When the playercontacts the right direction arrow indication button 627, the slotmachine 1 detects the contacted position on the touch panel 51 arrangedin front of the main display 5, thereby it can be judged the buttoncontacted by the player based on the detected position. In FIG. 19, theleft direction arrow indication button 626 and the upper direction arrowindication button 627, both of which are not selected by the player, aredarkly displayed, thereby it is indicated that the right direction arrowindication button 627 is selected.

FIG. 20 sows a display example in the display area 6 a of thesub-display 6 after the player selects the correct button. If the rightdirection arrow indication button 627 selected by the player is thepredetermined correct button, it is displayed a state that the character501 passes the gate of the passing point and runs on the corridor towardthe next gate of the passing point. At the upper position of the displayarea 6 a. It is displayed the score 623, for example as 20, in which thescore obtained in the previous game is accumulated. And in the route map622 displayed at the lower position of the display area 6 a, the firstpassing point 621 a is darkly displayed, thereby it is indicated thatthe character 501 could safely pass such passing point. When the playerselects the correct button at the second passing point, the character501 can safely pass the second passing point, thereby the score isaccumulated. Here, the correct button switch is the button to clear thepassing point and to progress to the next passing point, is determinedin advance by the lottery before selection thereof is conducted and ismade different at each of the passing points. When the button other thanthe correct button is selected by the player, the golden gate bonus isterminated and the score accumulated just before the golden gate bonusgame is terminated is paid out as coins corresponding to the bonuspayout of the player. If the golden gate bonus game is terminated, gamecondition shifts to the slot games the base game.

FIG. 21 shows a display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 in a case that the correct button is not selected at thefourth passing point although the correct button is selected at all ofthe first passing point, the second passing point and the third passingpoint. At the lower position of the display area 6 a, the first passingpoint 621 a, the second passing point 621 b and the third passing point621 c, which are safely passed, are darkly displayed. And at the centerposition of the display area 6 a, the score obtained in the golden gatebonus game by the player is indicated through the message “BONUS WIN 60”630.

FIG. 22 shows a display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 when the correct button is selected at all of the first tothe fifth passing points. At the lower position of the display area 6 a,all of the first passing point 621 a, the second passing point 621 b,the third passing point 621 c, the fourth passing point 621 d and thefifth passing point 621 e, which are safely passed, are darklydisplayed. And at the center of the display area 6 a, the message “SHIFTTO THE CONDOR TREASURE BONUS” 632 in addition to the message “BONUS WIN100” 631 is displayed. As shown in the display area 6 a, if the correctbutton is selected at all passing points, it concludes that thecharacter cold reach to the end and the condor treasure bonus game,which is the other bonus game, is executed. The condor treasure bonusgame which is one of the bonus games is executed in spite of the gameresult in the slot game when the symbol combination “map 1-map 2-map 3”line up in the slot game and further when all selections by the playerare correctly done in the golden gate bonus which is the other bonusgame. Thereby, since the golden gate bonus game is conducted by theplayer while giving to the player probability with expectation toexecute the condor treasure bonus game continuous to the golden gatebonus game, interest for bonus games can be raised.

[condor treasure bonus game]

Next, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26, the condor treasure bonus gamewill be described. In the condor treasure bonus game, the player selectsone treasure among five treasures only one time as the treasure that thecharacter falling in the well picks up. And the character climbs thewall of the well according to magnification set to the selected treasureand it is given to the player coins obtained by magnifying themagnification set to the treasure with the score set to the treasure.

It is shown in FIG. 23 a display example of the display area 5 a in themain display 5 when the condor treasure bonus is started. Under thedisplay area 5 a five buttons 641 a, 641 b, 641 c, 641 d, 641 e, whichrepresent five treasures respectively, are displayed. And at the centerof the display area 5 a the message “SELECT TREASURE” 642 is displayed.This message 642 urges the player to conduct select operation of thedirection toward which the character 501 goes ahead. Here, at that time,the display area 6 a of the sub-display 6 is entirely changed to blackcolor to indicate that the character 501 has fallen in the well.

In FIG. 24, it is shown a display example of the display area 5 a in acase that the player selects one of five treasures displayed at thelower position of the display area 5 a and contacts the button 641 adisplayed at the most right position. When the player contacts thebutton 641 a of the display area 5 a, the contacted position is detectedby the touch panel 51 arranged in front of the main display 5 in theslot machine 1 and it can be judged which button is contacted based onthe contacted position. In this case, the buttons 641 b, 641 c, 641 d,641 e which are not contacted are darkly displayed, thereby it isindicated that only the button 641 a is selected. And to each of allbuttons 641 a, 641 b, 641 c, 641 d, and 641 e, the score preset everybutton is displayed such as 300 (the button 641 a), 30 (the button 641b), 150 (the button 641 c), 100 (the button 641 d) and 50 (the button641 a). Thus, it is informed to the player that the score correspondingto the selected button 641 a is 50 points.

In FIG. 25, it is shown a display example of the display area 6 a of thesub-display 6 after the button 641 a is contacted. At the center of thedisplay area 6 a it is displayed a state that the character 501 climbsthe well by means of a rope after the treasure is selected. Here, thecharacter 501 climbs the well to a predetermined position. At the rightpart of the display area 6 a it is displayed the indicator 644 whichindicates the position that the character 501 climbs. The indicator 644indicates height of the well by eleven stages. In FIG. 25, five stagesfrom the bottom thereof are darkly displayed, thereby it is indicatedthat the character 501 climbs to the fifth stage. And at side of each ofstages in the indicator 644 the magnification number which is magnifiedto the score is displayed. Finally, the score of the player iscalculated by magnifying the magnification number corresponding to thestage to which the character reaches to the score set to the buttonselected by the player at the first of the game. Under the display area6 a the score equation “WIN 20×50” 645 corresponding to the state thatthe character 501 reaches is displayed. Further, at the upper right partof the display area 6 a it is displayed the numeral “10001 as the score646 at that time, the score 646 being obtained based on the scoreequation 645. Here, the stage that the character 501 climbs isdetermined corresponding to the button selected at the first of the gameby the player. That is to say, the magnification number of the scoredetermined corresponding to the stage and the player's score determinedbased on the magnification number of the score are beforehand determinedaccording to the button selected by the player at the first of the game.

In FIG. 26, it is shown a display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 after the character 501 reaches to the fifth state whenthe stage corresponding to the button selected at the first of the gameis the fifth state. When the character 501 reaches to the state setbeforehand, the character finds out an exit by kicking and breaking thewall of the well. Thereby, the condor treasure bonus game is terminated.At that time, the player's score is paid out by coins. When the condortreasure bonus game is terminated, game condition shifts to the slotgame which is the base game.

With reference to FIGS. 27 to 33, the mysterious sun bonus game will bedescribed. In the mysterious bonus game, according to the treasure whichthe character takes out from one of the relieves having sun-like shapesbased on the player's selection, the score is increased, and thecharacter can take out the treasure till the score of fear degreethrough the fear item taken out by the character reaches to apredetermined upper limit.

In FIG. 27, it is shown a display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 when the mysterious sun bonus game is started. In thecenter of the display area 6 a, it is shown the character 501 who isfacing to three relieves 661 each of which has a sun-like shape. AT theupper position of the display area 6 a, the accumulated score 663obtained in games is displayed. And at the right side of the displayarea 6 a, it is displayed a fear degree meter 664 which indicates adegree of fear feeling that the character 501 has. And the character'sexpression 665 reflecting the fear degree is displayed at the upperposition of the fear degree meter 664. In this game, the score of thefear degree is accumulated and when such score reaches to the upperlimit, the game is terminated.

FIG. 28 shows a display example of the display area 5 a in the maindisplay 5 when the mysterious sun bonus game is started. Under thedisplay area 5 a three selection buttons 667 a, 667 b, 667 c aredisplayed. And in the center of the display area 5 a, it is displayedthe message “SELECT RELIEF” 628 which urges the player to conductselection operation of the selection buttons 667 a, 667 b, 667 c.

In FIG. 29, it is shown a display example of the display area 5 a whenthe player contacts the most right selection button 667 a. When theplayer contacts the selection button 667 a, the contacted portion isdetected by the touch panel 51 arranged in front of the main display 5in the slot machine 1, thereby it can be judged the contacted selectionbutton by the player based on the detected position. In FIG. 29, theselection buttons 667 b and 667 c not selected are darkly displayed,thereby it is indicated that the selection button 667 a is selected. Andto all of the selection buttons 667 a, 667 b, 667 c the scores 20, 10, 5set every the selection button are displayed. Thus, it is informed tothe player that the score set to the selection button 667 a selected bythe player is 5. To each selection button corresponding to each relief,there are set one of snake, spider and specific item other thantreasure, and it is displayed a state that the character takes out theitem from a mouth of the relief.

In FIG. 30, it is shown a display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 when the player contacts to the selection button 667 a. Inthe center of the display area 6 a, it is displayed a state that thecharacter 501 who takes out the treasure corresponding to the selectionbutton 667 a is standing. At the upper position of the display area 6 a,the numeral 5 corresponding to the selection button 667 a is displayedas the accumulated score 663. And at the upper position of the displayarea 6 a the expression 665 of the character who is delighted iseffected and displayed. According to the above, the mysterious sun bonusgame is progressed by making the player repeatedly select.

In FIG. 31, as the example in a case that the player conducts nextselection, it is shown a display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 when the snake as the fear item is taken out by thecharacter. In the center of the display area 6 a, it is displayed astate that the character 501 who takes out the snake on the basis of theselection button 667 a is standing. When the snake which is the fearitem is taken out, since the score to be added is 0 the accumulatedscore 663 displayed at the upper position of the display area 6 a isheld to 5. And at the upper position of the fear degree meter 664,stages up to the three stages from the bottom are darkly displayedcorresponding to the snake taken out. Thereby, it is shown that the feardegree becomes 3 points. Further, the character's expression 665reflecting the fear degree is displayed. The point of the fear degree isaccumulated every the fear item is taken out and when the point reachesto the upper limit the mysterious sun bonus game is terminated.

In FIG. 32, as the example in a case that the player conducts nextselection, it is shown a display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 when the specific item is taken out. In the center of thedisplay area 6 a, it is displayed a state that the character 501 whotakes out the specific item is standing. When the specific item is takenout and the score of the fear degree is 0, two points are added to theupper limit at which the game is terminated and it is displayed in thefear degree meter 664 that the score of the fear degree becomes 7points.

In FIG. 33, as the example in a case that the player conducts nextselection, it is shown a display example of the display area 6 a in thesub-display 6 when the spider as the fear item is taken out. In thecenter of the display area 6 a, it is displayed a state that thecharacter 501 who takes out the spider is standing. In a case that thespider is taken out and the score of the fear degree is 0, two pointsare subtracted from the upper limit at which the game is terminated. Asa result, it is displayed in the fear degree meter 664 that the score ofthe fear degree becomes 3 points.

As mentioned in the above, addition or subtraction of the upper limit ofthe point in the fear degree is done on the basis of selection by theplayer. Thereby, in a case that the score in the bonus game is reachingto the upper limit or in a case that the point cannot be subtracted,there will be a case that the upper limit is increased according toplayer's selection. Thus, the bonus game can be made longer or shorter.Accordingly, the bonus game can be conducted while retaining player'sinterest.

[operation of the gaming machine]

Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, operationof the CPU 21 in the main control circuit 71 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 34, the CPU 121 at first conducts initializationprocess of the main control circuit 71 in step 1 (abbreviated “S1”hereinafter). Concretely, the CPU 121 writes initial data in the RAM 123and makes each of the actuators initial state that game can be started.

In S2, the CPU 121 determines whether an input for stating game is doneor not. Concretely, the CPU 121 determines whether the start signal fromthe spin switch 15, the maximum BET spin switch 18 or the repeat BETspin switch 19 is input or not. In S2, when it is determined “NO”, thatis, it is determined that the start signal is not input from the spinswitch 15, the maximum BET spin switch 18 or the repeat BET spin switch19, the CPU 121 repeats process in S2. On the other hand, when it isdetermined “YES”, that is, it is determined that the start signal isinput, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S3.

In S3, the CPU 121 executes rotation process of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.Concretely, the CPU 121 sends the drive signal to the motor drivecircuit 31 and drives the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to rotate.

In S4, the CPU 121 conducts random number sampling. The CPU 121 sendsthe signal to generate random numbers to the random number generator 126and makes the random number sampling circuit 127 extract a random numberevery each of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R. And the CPU 121 stores theextracted random number value in a predetermined area of the RAM 123.

In S5, the CPU 121 executes symbol determination process. The CPU 121judges that the random number value stored in the RAM 123 belongs towhich range of the probability lottery table stored beforehand in theROM 122, every each of three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and determines thesymbols to be stopped along the pay line 8. And the CPU 121 storesdetermined symbols. Here, the symbol determination process is done by S4and S5.

Next, in S6, the CPU 121 conducts consumption of wait time, thereafterin S7 the CPU 121 executes stop process of the left reel 3L. The CPU 121sends the signal to stop and control the variable display operation ofthe left reel 3L to the motor drive circuit 31, corresponding to thedetermined stop symbol. And the motor drive circuit 31 stops the leftreel 3L through the stepping motor 49L.

Next, in S8 the CPU 121 conducts further consumption of wait time,thereafter in S9 the CPU 121 executes stop process of the center reel3C, similar to the left reel 3L.

Next, in S10 the CPU 121 further conducts consumption of wait time,thereafter in S11 the CPU 121 executes stop process of the right reel3R, similar to the reel 3L. In these S6 to S11, process of the stopcontrol means is done.

Next, in S12 the CPU 121 judges whether the blank symbols line up alongthe pay line 8. In this step, in a case that it is judged that the blanksymbols line up along the pay line 8, the CPU 121 shifts procedure toS13. On the other hand, when it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judgedthat the blank symbols do not line up along the pay line 8, he CPU 121shifts procedure to S15.

In S13, the CPU 121 conducts random number sampling to determine startof the mysterious sun bonus game as the blank bonus. The CPU 121 sendsthe signal to generate random number to the random number generator 126,thereby the CPU 121 makes the random number sampling circuit 127 extracta random number. And the CPU 121 stores the extracted random numbervalue in a predetermined area of the RAM 123.

In S14, the CPU 121 conducts blank bonus determination process.Concretely, with reference to the table sown in FIG. 15, the CPU 121determines whether the random number value stored in S13 belongs to thecase that the mysterious sun bonus game is activated or to the case thatthe mysterious sun bonus game is not activated.

In S15, with reference to the payout table shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 121pays out coins according to the winning combination on the basis of thesymbol combination stopped along the pay line 8 when the reels 3L, 3C,3R are stopped and the bet number betted by the player.

In S16 (FIG. 35), the CPU 121 judges whether the bonus game is executedor not. If the bonus game is executed, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S17. On the other hand, if the bonus game is not executed, the CPU 121shifts procedure to S2 (FIG. 34).

In S17, the CPU 121 conducts start process of the bonus game. The CPU121 sends the bonus start command with information of kind of the bonusgame to the sub-CPU 221. By the process in S17, function of the bonusstart means is realized.

In S18, the CPU 121 waits for termination of the bonus game. Sinceexecution of the bonus game is mainly done by the sub-CPU 221, the CPU121 stops the slot game as the base game till the bonus game isterminated by the sub-CPU 221.

Thereafter, the CPU 121 shifts procedure to S2 (FIG. 34) in order torestart the slot game.

[operation of the sub-CPU]

Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 36 to 39,operation of the sub-CPU 221 in the cub-control circuit 171 will bedescribed.

At first, with reference to FIG. 36, bonus game start command receptionprocess will be described.

In S31, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus is thegolden gate bonus or not. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether theinformation concerning with the kind of the bonus game accompanied bythe bonus game start command. In this step, if it is judged “YES”, thatis, it is judged that the golden gate bonus game is started, the sub-CPU221 shifts procedure to S32. On the other hand, if it is judge “NO”,that is, it is judged that the golden gate bonus game is not started,the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S34.

In S32, the sub-CPU 221 conducts golden gate bonus game process. As forthe process in this step, it will be described hereafter.

In S33, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the correct selection is done ornot by the player in the golden gate bonus game (S32). Concretely, it isjudged whether or not the buttons indicating the predetermined directionby which the next passing point is led are selected by the player in allof five passing points, and the character 501 reaches to the goal. Inthis step, it is judged “YES”, that is, if it is judged that the correctselections are done, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S35. On theother hand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judged that at leastone correct selection is not done, the sub-CPU 221 terminates thisroutine.

In S34, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus is thecondor treasure bonus or not. In this step, if is judged “YES”, that is,it is judged that the condor treasure bonus game is started, the sub-CPU221 shifts procedure to S35. On the other hand, if it is judged “NO”,that is, it is judged that the condor treasure bonus game is notstarted, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S36.

In S35, the sub-CPU 221 conducts condor treasure bonus game process. Asfor the process in this step, it will be described hereinafter. Afterthis step, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine.

By the processes in S32 to S35, the condor treasure bonus game, which isat least one of plural bonus games, is conducted in any of both casesthat plural reels as the variable display means are stopped with thespecific symbol combination “map 1-map 2-map 3” and that it can beobtained the specific result in which the character can reach to thegoal in the golden gate bonus game as the other bonus game Thereby, inthe golden gate bonus game in which the paler takes part in whileconducting various selection, if a predetermined condition is satisfied,it is determined whether or not game condition shifts to the condortreasure bonus game which is the other bonus game. Therefore, since theplayer conducts the bonus game while expecting that the player maycontinuously enjoy the other bonus game, interest for games can beraised.

In S36, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the kind of the bonus game is themysterious sun bonus game or not. In this step, if it is judged “YES”,that is, it is judged that the mysterious sun bonus game is started, thesub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 37. On the other hand, if it is judged“NO”, that is, it is judged that the mysterious sun bonus game is notstarted, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine.

In S37, the sub-CPU 221 executes mysterious sun bonus game process. Asfor the process in this step, it will be described hereinafter. Afterthis step is done, the sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine.

Next, with reference to FIG. 37, the golden gate bonus game process willbe described.

In S41, the sub-CPU 221 conducts image display process. Concretely, thesub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display controlcircuit 224 in order to display the image shown in FIG. 18 in thedisplay area 5 a of the main display 5, and sends the image displaycommand to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display theimage shown in FIG. 17 in the display area 6 a of the sub-display 6.

In S42, the sub-CPU 221 conducts selection process according to thecorrect direction at the present passing point. Concretely, the sub-CPU221 generates random number by calculation and determines based on thegenerated random number which is the button with the predeterminedcorrect direction among the left direction arrow indication button 625,the upper direction arrow indication button 626 and the right directionarrow indication button 627.

In S43, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is contactedor not. In this step, if it is judged “YES”, that is, it is judged thatthe touch panel 51 is contacted by the player, the sub-CPU 221 shiftsprocedure to S 44. On the other hand, if is judged “NO”, that is, it isjudged that the touch panel 51 is not contacted by the player, S43 isrepeated.

In S44, the sub-CPU 221 conducts button display process concerning withthe selected button. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges the selectedbutton based on the coordinate position information of the contactedportion output from the touch panel 51, and as shown in FIG. 19, thesub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display controlcircuit 224 in order to darkly display the buttons other than theselected button.

In S45, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the direction selected by theplayer is correct direction or not. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judgeswhether not the selected button in S44 coincides with the button withthe predetermined correct direction determined in S42. In this step, ifit is judged “YES”, that is, it is judged that the button is the buttonwith the predetermined correct direction, the sub-CPU 221 shiftsprocedure to S46. On the other hand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, itis judged the button is not the button with the predetermined correctdirection, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S 50.

In S46, the sub-CPU 221 conducts image display process indicating thatthe character succeeds to pass the passing points. For example, thesub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display controlcircuit 224 in order to display the image that the character 501 passesthe gates on the sub-display 6.

In S47, the sub-CPU 221 conducts addition process of the score. Thesub-CPU 221 adds the points set to the present passing point to thescore as the points obtained by the player.

In S48, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the present passing pointis the fifth passing point, that is, the final passing point. In thisstep, if is judged “YES”, that is, it is judged that the present passingpoint is the final passing point, the sub-CPU 221 terminates the gameand shifts procedure to S 49 in order to shift to the other bonus game.On the other hand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judged that thepresent passing point lies between the first passing point and thefourth passing point, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S41 and gameis repeated.

In S49, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to shift to the condortreasure bonus game. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends the image displaycommand to the image display control circuit 225 in order to display theimage shown in FIG. 21. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine afterthe process in this step is done.

In S50, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the display process indicating that theordinal bonus game is terminated. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 sends theimage display command to the image display control circuit 225 in orderto display the image shown in FIG. 21. The sub-CPU 221 terminates thisroutine after the process in this state is done.

Next, with reference to FIG. 38, the condor treasure bonus game processwill be described.

In S51, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the image display process. Concretely,the sub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image displaycontrol circuit 224 in order to display the image shown in FIG. 23 inthe display area 5 a of the main display 5. And the sub-CPU 221 sendsthe image display command to the image display control circuit 225 inorder to display the image entirely colored with black color in thedisplay area 6 a of the sub-display 6.

In S52, the sub-CPU 221 conducts payout determination process for eachbutton displayed on the display area 5 a. Concretely, the sub-CPU 21generates random number by calculation and based on the generated randomnumber the sub-CPU 221 gives, for example, 300 points, 30 points, 150points, 100 points, 50 points for each of five switches 641 a, 641 b,641 c, 641 d, 641 d, 641 e, respectively, the switches representingtreasures displayed on the display area 5 a. And the sub-CPU 221arranges the stages which the character climbs for each of the buttons.

In S53, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is contactedor not. Concretely, in this step, if it is judged “YES”, that is, it isjudged that the button representing portion on the touch panel 51 iscontacted by the player, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S54. On theother hand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judged that the touchpanel 51 is not contacted, the sub-CPU 221 repeats process in S53.

In S54, the sub CPU 221 conducts display process of the selected button.Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges the selected button based on thecoordinate position information of the contacted portion output from thetouch panel 51, and as shown in FIG. 24, the sub-CPU 221 sends the imagedisplay command to the image display control circuit 224 in order todarkly display the buttons other than the selected button.

In S55, the sub-CPU 221 conducts display process of the image so thatthe character 501 climbs up one stage, corresponding to the selectedbutton by the player. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 displays the imageshown in FIG. 25 on the display area 6 a.

In S56, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the character 501 climbs the wellby the predetermined stages. Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges whetheror not the process that the character 501 climbs the well by states assame as the stages arranged corresponding to the button selected in S54is done. In this step, if it is judged “YES”, that is, it is judged thatthe character climbs the well by the predetermined stages, the sub-CPU221 shifts procedure to S57. ON the other hand, if it is judged “NO”,that is, it is judged that the character does not climb the well by thepredetermined stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S55 andrepeats the display that the character climbs the well.

In S57, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the character climbs thewell by 10 stages, that is, whether or not the character climbs up thewell. In this step, if it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judged that thecharacter does not climb by 10 stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedureto S 58 in order to terminate the game by finding out the exit. On theother hand, if is judged that “YES”, that is, it is judged that thecharacter climbs the well by 10 stages, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedureto S59 in order to terminate the game by climbing up the well.

In S58, the sub-CPU 221 conducts game termination display process byfinding out the exit. The sub-CPU 221 sends image display command to theimage display control circuit 225 in order to display the image shown inFIG. 26 on the display area 6 a. And the sub-CPU 221 terminates thisroutine after this step is done.

In S59, the sub-CPU 221 game termination display process by climbing upthe well. The sub-CPU 221 sends image display command to the imagedisplay control circuit 225 in order to display the top image of thewell on the display area 6 a. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routineafter this step is done

Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the mysterious sun bonus game processwill be described.

In S61, the sub CPU 221 conducts image display process. Concretely, thesub-CPU 221 sends the image display command to the image display controlcircuit 224 in order to display the image shown in FIG. 28 on thedisplay area 5 a of the main display 5 and sends image display commandto the image display control circuit 225 in order to display the imageshown in FIG. 27 on the display area 6 a of the sub-display 6.

In S62, the sub-CPU 221 conducts payout determination process of each ofthe buttons displayed on the display area 5 a. Concretely, the sub-CPU221 generates random number by calculation and based on the generatedrandom number the sub-CPU 221 arranges, for example, 20 points, 10points, 5 points corresponding to each of three buttons 667 a, 667 b,667 c, the buttons representing treasures displayed on the display area5 a. And the sub-CPU 221 selects the item to be taken out among thetreasure, the snake, the spider, the specific item for each button.

In S63, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether the touch panel 51 is contactedor not. Concretely, in this step, if it is judged “YES”, that is, it isjudged that the portion where the button of the touch panel 51 isdisplayed is contacted by the player, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedureto S64. On the other hand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judgedthat the touch panel 51 is not contacted, the sub-CPU 221 repeatsprocess in S63.

In S64, the sub-CPU 221 conducts display process of the selected button.Concretely, the sub-CPU 221 judges the selected button based on thecoordinate position information of the contacted portion output from thetouch panel 51, and as shown in FIG. 29, the sub-CPU 221 sends the imagedisplay command to the image display control circuit 224 in order todarkly display the buttons other than the selected button.

In S65, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item arranged in therelief corresponding to the selected button by the player is the snake.In this step, if it is judged “YES”, that is, it is judged that suchitem is the snake, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S66. On the otherhand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judged that such item is notthe snake, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S69.

In S66, the sub-CPU 221 conducts accumulation process to add pointscorresponding to the snake to the fear degree score.

In S67, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the accumulated score ofthe fear degree reaches to the upper limit. In this step, if it isjudged “YES”, that is, it is judged that the score of the fear degreereaches to the upper limit, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S68. Onthe other hand, it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judged that the scoreof the fear degree does not reach to the upper limit, the sub-CPU 221shifts procedure to S 61 in order to continue the bonus game. By S67,function of the bonus termination judgement means is realized. Here,although the upper limit of points of the fear degree is changed, theinitial value of the fear degree is set to a constant value, for example5 points, at the start of the mysterious sun bonus game.

In S68, the sub-CPU 221 conducts bonus game termination display process.

In S69, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item arranged in therelief corresponding to the selected button by the player is the spider.In this step, if it is judged “YES”, that is, it is judged that suchitem is the spider, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S70. On theother hand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judged that such itemis not the spider, the sub-CPU 221 judges that such item is the specificitem and shifts procedure to S71.

In S70, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to subtract 2 points fromthe upper limit of the fear degree. The sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure toS67 after the process in this step is done.

In S71, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the item arranged in therelief corresponding to the selected button by the player is thetreasure. In this step, if it is judged “YES”, that is, it is judgedthat such item is the treasure, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S73.On the other hand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, it is judged that suchitem is not the treasure, the sub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S73.

In S72, the sub-CPU 221 conducts addition process of the score. Thesub-CPU 221 shifts procedure to S61 after the process in this step isdone.

In S73, the sub-CPU 221 judges whether or not the score of the presentfear degree is 0. In this step, if it is judged “YES”, that is, it isjudged that the score of the fear degree is 0, the sub-CPU 221 shiftsprocedure to S75. On the other hand, if it is judged “NO”, that is, itis judged that the score of the fear degree is not 0, the sub-CPU 221shifts procedure to S74.

In S74, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to subtract 2 points of thescore of the fear degree. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routine afterthe process in this step is done.

In S75, the sub-CPU 221 conducts the process to add 2 points to theupper limit. By the process in this step, the accumulated value of thescore of the fear degree is added, thereby the time that the bonus gameis terminated is lengthened. The sub-CPU 221 terminates this routineafter the process in this step is done. According to the above mentionedprocesses in S66, S72, S74, S75, the score of the fear degree which isaccumulated corresponding to progress of the mysterious sun bonus gameis determined and function of the measurement means to add to orsubtract from the upper limit is realized

According to the above mentioned processes in S41 to S75, function ofbonus game execution means is realized.

Here, in the embodiment, although description is done that the variabledisplay device is constructed from the reels which are rotated, thepresent invention is not limited to this. For example, it may beconceivable to utilized devices that the symbol images are sequentiallydisplayed in the LCD or CRT.

And in the embodiment, although it is explained that the symbols whichare commonly used are two, one symbol may be commonly used. And threesymbols may be commonly used according to the number of reels.

Further, in a case that there exist more than three symbol combinationsto shift to the bonus game, the symbol not commonly used may be includedaccording to the symbol combination corresponding to the symbolcombination to shift to the bonus game.

And in the embodiment, in a case that the specific result is obtainedbased on the player's selection in one bonus game, the other bonus gameis executed. However, the bonus game is not limited to one. And in acase that the specific result is obtained based on the player'sselection in one of plural bonus games, the other bonus game may becontinuously executed.

And in the embodiment, when the blank bonus determination meansdetermined the bonus with a predetermined probability, it is utilizedthe table in which random numbers are fixed. However, the predeterminedprobability may be changed. For example, such probability may be changedaccording to the state that the winning combination is realized at thepredetermined past time.

And in the embodiment, although the upper limit which becomes thestandard to terminate the bonus game is added or subtracted only whenthe predetermined item such as the spider or the specific item isselected, the present invention is not limited to this. The upper limitmay be added or subtracted according to the treasure determining thescore.

Further, although the score of the fear degree is utilized as the pointsto judge the termination of the bonus game, the score obtained by takingout the treasure may be utilized.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devicesfor variably displaying plural kinds of symbols utilized in a game; astop symbol determination device for determining the symbols stoppedalong a pay line every each of the variable display devices based on arandom number value sampled every game; and a stop controller forconducting stop control of variable display in the variable displaydevices based on a determination result determined by the stop symboldetermination device; wherein symbol combinations each of which isconstructed from the symbols determined by the stop symbol determinationdevice include a plurality of specific display modes each of whichcorresponds to a specific award, and wherein at least two of thespecific display modes form one picture and at least one of the symbolsis commonly utilized in the specific display mode.
 2. The gaming machineaccording to claim 1, wherein the stop controller conducts stop controlof the variable display in the variable display device which displaysthe symbol commonly utilized earlier than the other variable displaydevices.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at leastone of the specific display modes corresponds to a timing at which asecondary game is activated, the secondary game being conducted byutilizing other image display device than the variable display devices.4. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devicesfor variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a base game;a stop symbol determination device for determining the symbols variablydisplayed on the variable display devices based on a random number valuesampled every game; a bonus game execution device for executing a bonusgame corresponding to specific symbols among a plurality of bonus gameswhen variable display of the variable display devices is stopped whilethe specific symbols are stopped and displayed through the variabledisplay devices; wherein at least one bonus game is executed when thevariable display devices are stopped with the specific symbols or when aspecific result is obtained in other bonus game.
 5. The gaming machineaccording to claim 4, wherein the bonus game is done by utilizing otherimage display device other than the variable display devices.
 6. Agaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display devices forvariably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in a game; a stopsymbol determination device for determining a symbol combination stoppedat a predetermined position in the variable display devices based on arandom number value sampled every game; a stop control device forconducting stop control of the variable display devices based on aresult determined by the stop symbol determination device; and a blankbonus determination device for determining winning of the bonus with apredetermined probability when blank symbols are stopped at thepredetermined positions.
 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6,further comprising: a first display portion for displaying a pluralkinds of the symbols; a second display portion arranged in front of thefirst display portion, the second display portion being made transparentso as to be able to see the symbols displayed on the first displayportion through the second display portion; wherein when the firstdisplay portion displays the blank symbols and the blank bonusdetermination device determines winning of the bonus, the second displayportion displays bonus symbols so as to superimpose with the blanksymbols.
 8. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable displaydevices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols utilized in agame; a stop symbol determination device for determining symbols stoppedat predetermined positions in the variable display devices based on arandom number value sampled every game; a bonus game start device forstarting a bonus game when the variable display devices are stopped withspecific symbols; a measurement device for determining a scoreaccumulated according to progress of the bonus game and for increasingor decreasing an upper limit of the score; and a bonus game terminationdevice for terminating the bonus game when the score exceeds the upperlimit.
 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein themeasurement device increases or decreases the upper limit based on aselection by a player.
 10. The gaming machine according to claim 8,wherein the variable display device has a first display portion fordisplaying a plural kinds of symbols utilized in the game and a seconddisplay portion arranged in front of the first display portion, thesecond display portion being made transparent so as to be able to seethe symbols displayed on the first display portion through the seconddisplay portion, wherein the gaming machine has a third display portionother than the variable display device, the third display portiondisplaying the bonus game, and wherein an operation input portionthrough which a player conducts selective operation is formed on thesecond display portion.